RELATED ARTICLES

Share this article

Share

On average, volunteers who abstained from drinking for just over five weeks shed 3.3lb and cut cholesterol levels by five per cent and blood glucose levels by almost a quarter – indicating their fitness had improved significantly.

Positive: A dry January can improve sleep patterns and alertness, as well as lowering cholesterol, aiding weight loss and helping the liver to recover

The research was prompted by New Scientist journalist Andy Coghlan, who regularly did the ‘Janopause’.

He asked an expert what evidence there was of the benefits, and was told: ‘None.’

Liver experts have traditionally ignored the benefits of abstinence among moderate consumers, concentrating on problem drinkers.

Coghlan persuaded nine of his colleagues – all of whom described themselves as ‘normal’ drinkers – to abstain while four others graciously agreed to keep drinking to act as ‘controls’.

All had fasting blood tests at the start and end of the period, while doctors at the Royal Free Hospital in London found liver fat levels fell by 15 per cent on average, showing the organ had recovered. In addition, volunteers slept better and felt more alert at work.

The results suggest that tens of thousands of people who have signed up to a ‘Dry January’, as promoted by the charity Alcohol Concern, will see health benefits.

What is not yet known is how quickly all the good work can be undone, said Professor Rajiv Jalan of University College London, who helped with the study.

But he said a period of abstinence would enable the liver to ‘tolerate future insult better’.

Coghlan confessed: ‘Of course that’s the wrong message – that giving your liver a month-long holiday means you can go crazy for the rest of the year.’